BAMANA N'TOMO MASK 6, Mali

Despite its appearance, this Bamana N'tomo mask shows no evidence of
age or use and was probably made to be sold.

Several of the cowrie shells and seeds adorning this mask are missing.

Among the Bamana, one of the most popular dances is that of the Ntomo
association. Functioning as a bush school for the young, they were performed
at harvest festivals. The number of horns indicated the sex of the mask.
(male: 3 or 6, female: 4 or 8, androgynous: 2,5 or 7.)